Wednesday, August 9
Compressed Air Use in Hospitals
General compressed air, used in most manufacturing applications, is produced by pulling the air in the environment into the compressor and pressurizing it. We know that this environmental air can contain contaminants in the form of dust, pollen, moisture, and many other unwanted substances that can enter the compressed airlines. Medical applications of compressed air require extremely high purity standards in order to operate. To ensure these standards are met, instead of utilizing just environmental ambient air, a custom mixture of oxygen and nitrogen is created to provide a clean and contaminant free supply of compressed air. Oil-free air compressors are the top choice for hospitals as they mitigate the risk of contamination. Check out a few applications this medical-grade air is used for.
Common Applications
Air Filtration & Environmental Control
Clean air is extremely crucial for all patients in all healthcare facilities. Hospitals require the driest and cleanest air possible. To obtain this, they utilize compressed air to control and monitor the air flow through air filtration systems, making sure that the oxygen levels stay balanced. This can look different for various areas in a hospital. While a hospital waiting room is still clean, dry air neonatal rooms, intensive care units, and operating rooms may require specific and constant oxygen levels to save their patients, making compressed air a crucial element.
Life Saving Devices
Ventilators & incubators require the use of compressed air to be able to function properly and keep patients alive and comfortable. Without clean, compressed air power these pieces of equipment could not operate, and a patient’s life can be put at risk.
Operating Tools & Equipment
Operating rooms count on compressed air to power their handheld medical tools and devices such as drills and suctions. Compressed air can also power the mechanical operating tables and hospitals beds to help raise and lower or manipulate the positioning of the patient.
Carrying Agent
Clean, dry, hospital grade compressed air is frequently used as a carrying agent to safely deliver anesthesia to patients.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Like all industries, hospitals also use compressed air for general maintenance and cleaning around the facility by powering tools used to repair and clean the facility and its equipment.
Quality Standards
As mentioned before, the compressed air in a hospital must be completely contaminant-free to produce the purest air possible. Medical regulatory agencies require that medical facilities utilizing compressed air and gas systems meet NFPA 99 requirements. NFPA 99 provides strict air quality test requirements and specifications to ensure safe air is produced. Moisture is the most damaging contaminant to this process as moisture buildup promotes growth of bacteria and mold which presents a major health risk to all, but especially immuno-compromised patients. Air quality must be regulated and tested regularly throughout the day.
ZORN'S PROMISE
Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.
- Reliable equipment
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Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.